Today I continue my look at the best of 2016 with my favorite and least favorite films. In the next post I'll list my favorite film performances. But for now, here are my top 10 films and bottom five films from 2016. It was a year with a lot of good and entertaining films, but very few great films.

Top 10:10. WeinerAbout: This documentary on Anthony Weiner's failed run for Mayor of New York City is like watching a car wreck. And like watching a car wreck, you can't take your eyes off it. For as charismatic and driven as he was in advocating the issues, he was just as self-destructive and boorish in his personal life. This documentary captures the man and the campaign, warts and all, and it's an incredible watch.

9. FencesAbout: This is an adaptation of the stage play by August Wilson, directed by and starring Denzel Washington. It's not an easy film to watch, nor is it a feel-good story. But it's beautifully crafted and acted. Washington and his co-star, Viola D…

As I continue my look at the best of 2016, I will offer my 10 favorite TV episodes of 2016.

Top 10 Episodes:10. 2.08, "Kimmy Goes to a Hotel," Unbreakable Kimmy SchmidtAbout: This was my favorite episode of season two, which captured the fun and wacky elements of this series. Plus, the Joshua Jackson cameo was priceless. This is vintage Kimmy.

9. 2.08, "Follow the Money," BoschAbout: "Bosch" is a series that is about a slow burn, not action. But the series proved that it can do action set pieces well, too, as it did with this episode. This was the big climax of a fantastic season.

8. 1.06, "The Monster," Stranger ThingsAbout: This is a series that I thought got better as it went along. But I loved what the series did in its sixth episode, which answered some questions, developed characters and interactions in new ways, and had me totally consumed.

7. 6.16 "Last Day on Earth," The Walking DeadAbout: I've been on record as really not li…

We've come to the end of another year, and it's time for me to look back. In this first post, I'll offer my five favorite Comedy Series and 10 favorite Drama Series of 2016.

Comedy:5. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 2About: It wasn't quite as good as season one, in fact I thought it hit its high point early in the season, but this is still one of the funniest shows on TV. That's a credit to Ellie Kemper and Titus Burgess, as well as the writers.

4. The Good Place, Season 1About: The season isn't over, but this has proven to be one of the funniest and most thought-provoking series of the fall. Kristen Bell and Ted Danson are great, and this show has a very high concept premise that it's made work well.

3. VEEP, Season 5About: Where was this show going to go after Selina Meyer ascended to the Presidency? The answer was a glorious campaign run that ended in a way no one expected. Julia Louis Dreyfuss is great, as is the supporting cast. Now the only question i…

FencesStarring: Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and Stephen HendersonSynopsis: This is a powerful and difficult film. Washington stars as Troy and also directs this adaptation of the famous stage play from August Wilson, who also provided the screenplay. The show focuses on Troy (Washington), a sanitation worker living a lower middle-class life in Pittsburgh in the 1950s. Troy had dreams of his own, and was a great baseball player, that never made it to the major leagues. He believes his color held him back, while his wife (Davis) and best friend (Henderson) think it was his age. Troy has two sons, one with his wife and one he had earlier. And he struggles in his ability to show love to his sons, though he clearly loves them both and wants better for both of them than he's gotten in his own life. But that desire manifests itself as a sort of tough love and often drives a wedge. It drives a wedge between him and his wife Rose, too…

We've reached the 16th and final week of recaps for new fall TV shows. Most places have put new shows on hold for the holiday, but Netflix rolled out a pair of new series on Friday. As always, I have reviews of the pilot and second episode of new scripted series from this fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Streaming Series:Travelers, Now streaming on Netflix (Debuted December 23)About: This Canadian series is exclusive to Netflix in the U.S. It stars Eric McCormick as the leader of a group of time travelers. They come from the future where the Earth has been somewhat destroyed by man. As a response, these time travelers are coming back to try and save the future. There's tons of them, all operating independently. But it's how they get here that's fascinating. At the moment someone is set to die, the travelers can enter that person's body and take over their mind, erasing the person who used to be. It's a clever conceit, but one t…

The Broncos' 2016 Post-Season hopes came crashing down on Sunday with a 33-10 loss to the Chiefs.

Week 16: Kansas City Chiefs 33, Broncos 10Season Record: 8-7 (4-3 Home)Key Play: In the first quarter, Tyreek Hill took an end around 70 yards for a touchdown. That made the score 14-0. It would be 21-7 by the end of the first quarter and the Broncos never recovered.

Recap: The 2016 season practically came to a crashing halt on Sunday night as the Broncos gave their fans lumps of coal in the stocking with a 33-10 loss. The loss officially eliminated the defending champs from the Post-Season. What is there to say other than it was a disappointing season and the Broncos are a team with plenty of holes to fill. This ends a streak of five straight division titles and two Super Bowl berths the past four seasons. The Broncos have been the top seed in the AFC playoffs three of the last four years, too. So this is far short of the goal they set for themselves, and the fans have been quick to l…

Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about. Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage] Lights, please. [a spotlight shines on Linus]

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly t…

A few years ago John Landgraf, president of FX, predicted we'd soon have 500 scripted series on the air. That seemed hard to believe. Imagine having 500 original series on the air — who would watch all that?

Last year we crested over 400 series and that seemed absurd. This year, the total reached 455. That's nearly 50 more than last year, making it seem likely we will hit the elusive 500 total, possible as soon as 2017.

Where is the growth coming? The answer is simple — it's streaming services. In 2015, the streaming services had 39 original series. In 2016, that number ballooned to 93. That is an incredible explosion, and one that accounts for the tremendous jump in the overall number of shows.

And, or course, that number won't come down any time soon. In fact, as early as next year there could be as many original streaming series as original series on cable. That's something that seemed impossible just a few years ago.

Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryStarring: Felicity Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Diego Luna, and Mads MikkelsenSynopsis: There’s a small line in the middle of “Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope.” You might have missed it. But when the plans for the Death Star are unveiled, the woman leading the meeting notes that many people died to bring the rebellion the plans. Did you ever wonder how they got the plans? Who went and got them? What was the battle like? Well, if those have been burning questions for you, you’re in luck. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is the first stand alone “Star Wars” film not tied to the trilogies. In this case, it’s the story of how a band of rebels captured the Death Star plans. Given that, you probably have a feeling how this movie is going to end. But this isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. And it’s a journey that’s incredibly well crafted. This film serves to fill in some of the blanks when it comes to the wider “Star Wars” narrative. In fact, this fil…

The Broncos got the word yesterday that three players, all defenders, were named to the Pro Bowl roster. A fourth, Darian Stewart, is the first alternate, and could well find himself in the game.

The Pro Bowl is a fairly meaningless game, but it's an honor to be named. It's a mark that you've stood out and been recognized by peers and fans. It's a mark of the success of your team. So seeing that three from the Broncos qualified is great, but also a sign of why this team is 8-6 and close to missing the playoffs.

Of the three named, they're all defenders. Von Miller, ace linebacker and Super Bowl 50 MVP, and cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris, Jr., were the players named. All are deserving and among the best at their position. If Stewart gets in, that would be great, too, and an indication that the No Fly Zone is still going strong as three of four starters would be included.

The fact no offensive players were named, or really even considered, is also telling. …

It's nearly Christmas, but technically it's still fall. And we still have new shows. In these weekly posts I review the pilot and second episode of new scripted fare from the fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.

Wednesday Nights:Star, Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on FOX (Premiers January 4)About: "Star" is the latest musical soap opera from Lee Daniels, creator of "Empire." FOX certainly hopes it's an extension of that brand and property, and maybe it will be. The series got a soft preview behind "Empire" last Wednesday ahead of its debut in January. It centers on foster kids Star and her sister Simone, who have had a rough go of the system, and team with another girl, Alexandra, whose father happens to be a big time musician (Lenny Kravitz), to form a girl group. They travel to Atlanta and stay with Star and Simone's Godmother (Queen Latifah) while they try to make it big, hooking up with a shady manager (Benjamin Br…

Week 15: Patriots 16, Broncos 3Season Record: 8-6 (4-3 home)Key Play: In the first quarter, after forcing a three and out by the Patriots, Broncos' punter Jordan Norwood muffed the punt, giving it back to the Patriots, who got a field goal to go up 3-0. The Broncos never recovered.

Recap: Sunday was a demoralizing and ugly game. The Broncos turned the ball over too much and had little spark. The defense was OK, but there just wasn't enough fire for the Broncos. At least on the field. In the locker room, well that was a different story, and not a good one. The Broncos have two games left — at Kansas City and home to the Raiders. If they win out and catch some luck, there's a chance. At this point, that's all we have to cling on to. The Broncos have struggled this year and clearly aren't the team that won Super Bowl 50.

Game Balls:* Corey Nelson and Todd Davis. There were questions all week about the middle lin…

"It ain’t just about getting by here. It’s about getting it all." — Daryl, "The Walking Dead."

"The Walking Dead" wrapped up the first half of its seventh season last Sunday. As those who regularly follow this blog know, I frequently have enjoyed writing about the show and its themes. But this season, I haven't mentioned it much.

Season six left on a gruesome cliff hanger. And six months later, when the show returned, it was clear it had changed. It wasn't the level of violence in the premier, but rather the way it was presented. I thought it was in poor taste, and I wasn't alone.

I struggled with many of the subsequent seven episodes in the first half of the season as well. And, again, I wasn't alone. In looking at the mid-season finale, the numbers showed that 27 percent of viewers had left between seasons. That is a large chunk who I don't believe will be coming back.

The latest "Star Wars" film, 'Rogue One," opened on Friday. It becomes the eighth entry in the franchise. Its place in the cannon will become clear after a little time, but until then let's review the existing "Star Wars" films.

1. "Star Wars: Episode V, the Empire Strikes Back" (1980)About: This is the best "Star Wars" film and has been since it was released. It's got so many iconic moments and lines. This is peak "Star Wars"

2. "Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope" (1977)About: This is a change for me. Typically I've had this lower, but I've re-evaluated over the past few years. This film is iconic because it's the first, it sets the template and because it's a great stand alone film. This film has plenty of iconic moments.

3. "Star Wars: Episode VII, The Force Awakens" (2015)About: This was the re-boot that jumpstarted the franchise all over. It's not a perfect film, in fact it fe…

Only three weeks remain in the regular season and only two picks separate Lindsay and I. It will be close down to the wire. As always, Lindsay's picks are in brackets.NFL Picks, Week 15:
Seahawks Over Rams (Seahawks)
Dolphins Over Jets (Dolphins)
Bills Over Browns (Bills)
Packers Over Bears (Packers)
Steelers Over Bengals (Steelers)
Giants Over Lions (Giants)
Chiefs Over Titans (Chiefs)
Vikings Over Colts (Vikings)
Ravens Over Eagles (Ravens)
Texans Over Jaguars (Texans)
Falcons Over 49ers (Falcons)
Cardinals Over Saints (Cardinals)
Patriots Over Broncos (Patriots)
Raiders Over Chargers (Raiders)
Cowboys Over Buccaneers (Cowboys)
Redskins Over Panthers (Redskins)

Nocturnal AnimalsStarring: Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Shannon, and Aaron Taylor-JohnsonSynopsis: Cinema, as an art form, can do a lot of different things. For many independent films, you have a blank slate to create a rich world. This includes everything from the look and feel, to the stories and characters. Tom Ford is a famed fashion designer that has turned to plying his creative eye to film. In 2009 he delivered the critically acclaimed film “A Single Man,” which saw Colin Firth nominated for Best Actor. It’s been seven years since that film was released, and now Ford is back with another beautiful, haunting and challenging film in “Nocturnal Animals.” The film — based on a screenplay from Ford and a novel from Austin Wright — is a curious film. It’s full of complex characters and a complex narrative that moves through the past, fiction and the present fluidly. But what ties it together is a serious and beautiful film st…

The Golden Globe nominations were released on Monday and, as always, there were plenty of snubs and surprises. Below are a few reactions.

Surprises:* Streaming Series Dominating — out of the 10 shows nominated for best series (five drama, five comedy) only two air on traditional networks. One airs on cable and three on premium cable, specifically HBO. The other four? Streaming series. Netflix earned two drama series nominations, while Amazon nabbed two in the comedy field. These streaming series are becoming more prevalent, and are gaining more traction.

* Stranger Things makes the field — Only five shows were nominated for best drama, and "Stranger Things" was among them. The show developed a hot cult following after its July release, but that doesn't always guarantee recognition. This time it did.

* Deadpool nominated for Best Comedy — The Golden Globes, because it has a Best Musical/Comedy category, frequently draws films that won't be Academy Award nominees. "…

It's December, but we still have new shows coming. In these weekly posts I look at the pilot and second episode of scripted fare this fall. Don't see a new show listed below? Check previous weeks.Wednesday Nights:Incorporated, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on SyFy (Premiered November 30)About: This series, set in the near future, sees the Earth ravaged by Global Warming. In the wake of these changes, Corporations now rule the world, and those who work for the corporations enjoy a a comfortable lifestyle with amenities. Those who don't live in slums. The series centers on a young employee working his way up the ladder. He's married to the bosses daughter and in line for a promotion. But he's also working some kind of shady scam of his own, one that involves his life before he made it into the company and a girl from his childhood that he's desperate to rescue. I thought the second episode was an improvement in terms of understanding what's happening, but not in ter…

Recap: The Broncos always knew they'd put themselves in a tough position. The final four weeks of the season will determine whether they make the playoff field, and the team has a brutal stretch. The game with the Titans, while not easy, should have been the most winnable game. With the Chiefs beating the Raiders on Thursday night, the Broncos could have pulled back to within a game of first place. Instead, the team struggled offensively and gave up just enough on defense — though they were stellar in the second half — to find themselves on the losing end. Now they face the Patriots, Chiefs and Raiders to close the season, and have to win at least tw…

"Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs..." — John McClane, "Die Hard"

If you're a fan of the 06010, then you know that much of the Friday preview centered on favorite Christmas movies. The great Matthew Berry shared that his is "Die Hard," and also shared that he got some push back when he mentioned that because others don't feel "Die Hard" even qualifies as a Christmas movie.

I get this from time-to-time as well. "Die Hard" is one of my favorite movies of all time, and it's also one of my favorite Christmas movies. But some people don't get it. I'll grant you it's not "Elf" or "It's A Wonderful Life," but it is a Christmas movie. Here's why:

* It takes place on Christmas Eve. In fact, "Die Hard 2" is also set on Christmas. It's not as good a movie, but they are both Christmas movies.

Office Christmas PartyStarring: Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, Jennifer Aniston, TJ Miller, and Kate McKinnonSynopsis: Anyone who works for a large group or organization knows what this time of year brings — the forced polite interactions of the annual holiday party. We also have all heard the stories about the parties where the booze flowed too freely, and the stories of what followed. "Office Christmas Party" plays into those stereotypes and takes the action even further. On the day of the annual holiday party, the CEO (Anniston) visits the Chicago branch and threatens and shut down and layoffs. She also issues a ban on the annual holiday party. Her brother (Miller), the branch manager, and two of his senior leaders (Bateman and Munn), try to stave off layoffs by landing a big new client (Courtney B. Vance). In order to land him, they have to throw an epic staff Christmas party. So they do. And hilarity ensues. This film is …

We have just four weeks left in the regular season, and the playoffs are starting to take shape. It's time to revisit my pre-season predictions and make my revised predictions for the final four weeks of the season. Let's see if I can nail all 12 playoff teams this time.

One of
the things that people fret over in August is their fantasy football draft
strategy. Should I take a wide receiver first, or am I dumb not to grab a
running back due to scarcity. Can I draft Gronk with my first round pick and
still have a great team? When should I take quarterbacks? The
assumption is always that these decisions will make or break a team in the
season. I drafted a team in four different leagues, each using one of these
strategies. For control, they were identical 10-team, PPR leagues. My
commitment has been to aggressively manage each squad during the season, as I
would any team, to see where advantages lie. We’ve
reached the post-season, so it’s time to see how it’s all shaken out. Draft Strategy: Zero RB Team Name: Soft Tissue Issues Pick Number: One Original Roster: QB: Cam
Newton, Matthew Stafford RB: Danny
Woodhead, Arian Foster, Theo Riddick, Charles Sims, CJ Prosise WR:
Antonio Brown, Alshon Jeffrey, Mike Evans, Eric Decker, Donte Moncrief TE:
Delanie Walker, Will …

This blog is a space where I share what's on my mind. A lot of time that has to do with sports, pop culture, and God (not in that order). Please feel free to join the conversation, share a counter opinion, or add to the argument. It is only by pushing one another in love that we can grow as people.